Boston Red Sox 2013 Start

[AlpineSK]

November 2, 2013

Dodgers Capture World Series

It took 6 games. The Dodgers proved themselves to be the best team in the majors as they defeated the Red Sox 7-4 to wrap up the World Series 4 games to 2.

While disappointed, the Red Sox had a tremendous season. We would like to congratulate GM Scott Kier, Manager John Farrell and all of the Red Sox players and staff on all of their success this year.

[Jabez54]

Wow ... on paper, the Dodgers look stronger ... but they are struggling in real life ... Glad both teams were in the World Series ... ...

Thanks, again for starting this Dynasty, mate ... it was a swell season ...

[AlpineSK]

November 19, 2013

Personnel Changes Throughout the League

The offseason always brings coaching and personnel changes and this year was no exception for the Boston Red Sox. The departure of Torey Lovullo the team's Bench Coach and Hitting Coach Greg Colbrunn left some holes due to expired contracts. They have since been replaced with hitting coach Alan Cockrell and bench coach Art Howe. The biggest move had yet to come down though.

When word came down that Oakland had fired General Manager Billy Beane, Boston saw an opportunity to add a huge piece to their front office. They once again pitched a move to Boston to Beane who accepted agreeing to be Scott Kier's Associate GM and Head Scout.

"The addition of Billy Beane gives the Red Sox a great opportunity to shape our team for the future and he is a welcomed addition to the clubhouse." said owner John Henry about the signing. Beane will join the team in the next week.

In other news, the "Of the Year" awards were announced over the past week. The winners are:

Jackie Robinson Aware (Rookie of the Year)
AL - Jurickson Profar SS, Texas Rangers
NL - Billy Hamilton SS, Cincinnati Reds

Cy Young Award (Best Pitcher)
AL - Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
NL - Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals

Ted Williams Award (Most Valuable Player)
AL - Albert Pujos 1B, Los Angeles Angels
NL - Bryce Harper OF, Washington Nationals

Manager of the Year
AL - Eric Wedge Seattle Mariners
NL - Don Mattingly Los Angeles Dodgers

Congratulations to all of the winners!

[AlpineSK]

Thanks! For the first time, I actually managed EVERY SINGLE GAME. Now, on to the off season...

Originally Posted by Jabez54

Wow ... on paper, the Dodgers look stronger ... but they are struggling in real life ... Glad both teams were in the World Series ... ...

Thanks, again for starting this Dynasty, mate ... it was a swell season ...

[AlpineSK]

So this morning I am SCREAMING at my computer. Last night, I went to bed and forgot to click "save." During the overnight, my Windows updated itself. Apparently, the last time I saved my game was "August 27th" so I lost more than a month in my season. AHHH!!!!

At least my roster is pretty much the same, right??

[Jabez54]

UGH !!! ... does this mean the Sox still have a chance to win the World Series ?? ... Won't the Dodgers Blue cried out in foul, "The Red Sox Scandal"

[AlpineSK]

Okay it took a bit of work, and a few things changed.. award winners overall records etc but we are good. Dodgers beat the Sox in the WS so that is really what is most important on a "global" level. Off Season is done, and stand by for big updates etc.

[AlpineSK]

April 1, 2014

Red Sox Offseason Report

TRADES:

Red Sox Send:
SP Felix Doubront
C David Ross

Los Angeles Angels Send:
OF Josh Hamilton

Notes: LAA is rebuilding and wanted to cut salary. The Red Sox saw an opportunity to add a solid ML outfielder at a premium price.

Red Sox Send:
LF/1B Mike Carp

Chicago Cubs Send:
MR Carlos Gutierrez

Notes: This was more of a trade to free up a roster spot and add a MR who could potentially fill in if injuries occur.

Red Sox Send:
OF Shane Victorino

Miami Marlins Send:
OF Justin Ruggiano
C Jeff Mathis
2B Noah Perio

Notes: The Red Sox add a solid defensive outfielder at all three positions. Mathis was taken on for financial reasons, and Noah Perio is a high reward low risk prospect. With Hamilton's acquisition and Pence coming aboard in Free Agency, I had a crowded outfield. Due to his age and gradual decline, Victorino was the odd man out.

KEY DEPARTURES:

SP Ricky Nolasco New Team: Colorado Rockies
SP Tim Lincecum New Team: Miami Marlins
MR Koji Uehara New Team: Oakland Athletics
CL Joel Hanrahan New Team: Chicago White Sox
1B Mike Napoli New Team: Colorado Rockies
OF Jacoby Ellsbury New Team: Seattle Mariners

Others leaving: IF Cesar Izturis; MR Hong-Chih Kuo; OF Mitch Maier; MR Andrew Miller

KEY FREE AGENT ADDITIONS:


OF Hunter Pence - Solid right handed bat in a lefty-heavy lineup.
SP Jorge De La Rosa - He will fill Doubront's spot in the rotation nicely.
MR Shawn Camp - 38 years old, one year contract. Worth it.
MR Joba Chamberlain - He'll be the setup man for Wilson, and can step in and close when needed.

[AlpineSK]

April 8, 2013

Opening Day Roster

Owner Expectation:
"Reach the Playoffs"

Preseason Prediction:
1st Place - 88-74

Lineup vs RHP:

1. Jackie Bradley Jr - CF
2. Dustin Pedroia - 2B
3. Josh Hamilton - LF
4. Will Middlebrooks - 3B
5. Hunter Pence - RF
6. David Ortiz - DH
7. Xander Bogaerts - 1B
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia - C
9. Jose Iglesias

Lineup vs LHP:

1. Jackie Bradley Jr - CF
2. Dustin Pedroia - 2B
3. Will Middlebrooks - 3B
4. Hunter Pence - RF
5. Xander Bogaerts - 1B
6. Josh Hamilton - LF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia - C
8. David Ortiz - DH
9. Jose Iglesias - SS

BENCH:

C - Christian Vazquez
1B - Mitch Moreland
IF - Pedro Ciriaco
OF Justin Ruggiano

ROTATION:

1. Jon Lester
2. Ryan Dempster
3. Jacob Turner
4. Jorge De La Rosa
5. John Lackey

BULLPEN:

LR - Franklin Morales
MR - Junichi Tazawa
MR - Andrew Bailey
MR - Shawn Camp
MR - Joe Thatcher
SU - Joba Chamberlain
CL - Brian Wilson

[AlpineSK]

April 10, 2014

Turner Throws 1 Hitter Beats Tampa Bay 4-0

It took 25 outs for the Tampa Bay Rays to get their first hit, one that could arguably been called an error as Hak-Ju Lee hit a chopper back into the box that Jacob Turner had a little trouble settling into his glove. His throw was a half step behind to first base, and that infield single ended up being the only one recorded by the Rays. Cole Figueroa then flied out to centerfield and Wil Meyers struck out to end the game.

"It felt great to have a performance like this," Jacob Turner told reporters. "I've only thrown one no-hitter in my life and that was in a six inning little league game. This one would have meant a little bit more."

John Farrell was thrilled with the performance of his young starter. "He looked great out there. After the sixth inning, we all just let him be down at the end of the dugout. His pitch count was low, and I knew he was good, so checking on him was not a factor. We were going to let him go as long as he could handle."

Turner made it the distance striking out 10, and walking just 3 on 103 pitches. It was truly a masterpiece and a great way to start the season.

The Red Sox now welcome the Kansas City Royals to town for three games.

[AlpineSK]

Taking just a couple days off... More to come soon!

[AlpineSK]

April 27, 2014

Bogaerts: The Real Deal?

Rookie 1B Xander Bogaerts had an amazing performance by any standard today in Boston's 12-3 victory over the Astros. His stat line raised a lot of eyebrows as he doubled his RBI total for the year.

Bogaerts went 3-4 with 2 HR's and 7 RBI to move his year's totals to a .270 average with 5 HR and 14 RBI. Jackie Bradley Jr added his 4th HR of the year which was his 2nd HR to lead off a game. He raised his average to .356.

Jorge De La Rosa got the win improving his record to 1-2. Astros pitcher Matt Garza took the loss.

[AlpineSK]

April 30, 2013

Complete League Standings

AL East

Orioles 15-7
Blue Jays 11-11 4 GB
Red Sox 11-11 4 GB
Rays 9-12 5.5 GB
Yankees 9-13 6 GB

AL Central

Royals 14-8
Tigers 12-8 1 GB
Twins 10-9 2.5 GB
White Sox 9-11 4 GB
Indians 7-15 7 GB

AL West

Athletics 16-6
Angels 14-9 2.5 GB
Astros 11-11 5 GB
Rangers 9-12 6.5 GB
Mariners 6-15 9.5 GB

NL East

Nationals 13-8
Braves 12-10 1.5 GB
Phillies 9-12 4 GB
Marlins 9-12 4 GB
Mets 7-14 6 GB

NL Central

Pirates 12-10
Reds 12-10
Cardinals 10-12 2 GB
Brewers 10-12 2 GB
Cubs 9-13 2.5 GB

NL West

Giants 13-8
Rockies 12-9 1 GB
Dodgers 12-10 1.5 GB
Padres 9-11 3.5 GB
Diamondbacks 9-13 4.5 GB

[AlpineSK]

April 30, 2013

Red Sox Statistics Released

LINEUP

1. Jackie Bradley Jr CF - .350; 4 HR; 7 RBI
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B - .210; 1 HR; 6 RBI
3. Josh Hamilton LF - .207; 3 HR; 16 RBI
4. Will Middlebrooks 3B - .238; 4 HR; 10 RBI
5. Hunter Pence RF - .247; 3 HR; 8 RBI
6. David Ortiz DH - .128; 1 HR; 1 RBI
7. Xander Bogaerts 1B - .254; 5 HR; 14 RBI
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C - .226; 6 HR; 13 RBI
9. Jose Iglesias SS - .213; 0 HR; 2 RBI

BENCH

C - Christian Vazquez .227; 0 HR; 0 RBI
1B - Mitch Moreland .356; 2 HR; 4 RBI
IF - Pedro Ciriaco .000; 0 HR; 0 RBI
OF - Justin Ruggiano .300; 0 HR; 0 RBI

ROTATION

1. Jon Lester - 2-3; 3.67; 28 K's 1 CG
2. Ryan Dempster - 3-1; 4.38; 14 K's
3. Jacob Turner - 1-1; 3.45; 24 K's; 1 CG; 1 SHO
4. Jorge De La Rosa - 1-2; 3.90; 21 K's; 1 CG
5. John Lackey - 1-3; 5.64 ERA; 15 K's; 1 CG

BULLPEN

MR Junichi Tazawa - 0-1; 5.40; 9 K's in 7 Games
MR Andrew Bailey - 1-0; 3.00; 5 K's in 5 Games
MR Shawn Camp - 1-0; 3.48; 8 K's in 6 Games
MR Joe Thatcher - 0-0; 1.93; 4 K's in 8 Games (4.2 innings)
LR Franklin Morales - 1-0; 1.29 ERA; 11 K's in 7 Games
SU Joba Chamberlain - 0-0; 4.50 ERA; 1 SV; 8 K's in 6 Games
CL Brian Wilson - 0-0; 0.00 ERA; 5 SV; 9 K's in 6 Games

[Gern44]

Sorry i'm catching up to this late...

After your first season, did you feel like the injury rate was too high? I've completed multiple seasons of my 2013 Red Sox and the injuries seem way to high.

I lowered the settings 1 step for a season, and they are way too low. I can't seem to find a happy medium.

[AlpineSK]

I'm set to "NORMAL" and while I had some injuries last year, I really did not feel like they were significantly over the top.

that being said, in the two online leagues I am in we keep the setting pretty low.

[AlpineSK]

May 18, 2014

Red Sox Claw Their Way into First Place Tie

It has been a rough season for the Red Sox so far. Much of the season has been spent with a losing record, however over the past couple of weeks, they have come alive.

It has taken 39 games, but Boston has worked their way back up into a first place tie with the Baltimore Orioles posting identical records of 21-18. The push to first has not been without its bumps though.

In the 6th inning of yesterday's 6-5 win over the San Francisco Giants, RF Hunter Pence came up lame after making a spectacular diving catch. The official diagnosis released today is an oblique strain. He will be out for at least two weeks.

Pence has performed admirably this season posting a .291 average with 7 HR and 20 RBI. Second year player Jackie Bradley Jr has been the star of the team though.

The young outfielder has put up a .340 average with 6 HR and 14 RBI. His OBP is .419 which is a direct reflection of his 20 BB to 24 K's.

John Farrell has had nothing but great things to say about Bradley Jr, "(hitting coach) Alan Cockrell has been spending a lot of time with Jackie working on his patience at the plate, and it has paid off. We were looking for an improvement over his 89 K's and just 32 BB's last season, and he has delivered."

Questions have been raised though as to his position in the order. Some feel his bat might be more valuable in the #2 or even the #3 spot in the order. Farrell rebuked by saying that he is doing the job he is asked to do.

"Hitting at the top of the order is not an easy job, and takes a lot of skill. For someone of his age, having him doing as great a job as he is, well, we could not be happier."

After a well deserved day off, the Red Sox welcome the last place 18-21 New York Yankees to town followed by the Tampa Bay Rays. It is a great opportunity for the team to capitalize on some much needed wins to potentially push ahead of Baltimore in the AL East.

[AlpineSK]

June 1, 2014

Team Statistics Released

RECORD:

28-22 1st Place in the AL East

LINEUP

1. Jackie Bradley Jr CF - .323; 6 HR; 19 RBI
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B - .241; 3 HR; 17 RBI
3. Josh Hamilton LF - .242; 9 HR; 34 RBI
4. Will Middlebrooks 3B - .255; 7 HR; 32 RBI
5. Xander Bogaerts 1B - .226; 8 HR; 26 RBI
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C - .235; 14 HR; 31 RBI
7. David Ortiz DH - .165; 2 HR; 5 RBI
8. Mark Kotsay RF - .200; 0 HR; 1 RBI
9. Jose Iglesias SS - .263; 0 HR; 11 RBI

BENCH

C - Christian Vazquez - .208; 1 HR; 3 RBI
1B - Mitch Moreland - .348; 3 HR; 9 RBI Splits time with Ortiz at DH/1B
IF - Drew Sutton - Has not played. Recent call up due to Ciriaco injury
OF - Justin Ruggiano - .269; 4 HR; 11 RBI Splits time with Kotsay at RF

ROTATION

1. Jon Lester - 5-4; 2.43; 57 K's; 2 CG; 1 SHO
2. Ryan Dempster - 5-3; 3.94; 45 K's; 1 CG
3. Jacob Turner - 4-3; 4.23; 45 K's; 2 CG; 1 SHO
4. Jorge De La Rosa - 2-4; 3.99; 49 K's; 2 CG
5. John Lackey - 3-5; 4.82; 40 K's; 3 CG

BULLPEN

LR Franklin Morales - 2-0; 0.78; 22 K's in 12 Games
MR Junichi Tazawa - 0-1; 3.06; 16 K's in 13 Games
MR Andrew Bailey - 2-0; 2.12; 19 K's in 12 Games
MR Shawn Camp - 1-0; 3.78; 15 K's in 12 Games
MR Carlos Gutierrez - Has not played. Call up for Thatcher injury.
SU Joba Chamberlain - 1-1; 3.38; 2 SV; 14 K's in 13 Games
CL Brian Wilson - 2-1; 1.93; 10 SV; 21 K's in 16 Games

DISABLED LIST

RF Hunter Pence - .291; 7 HR; 20 RBI Off DL June 2nd.
IF Pedro Ciriaco - .250; 1 HR; 5 RBI Off DL in 10 Days.
MR Joe Thatcher - 1-0; 2.25; 10 K's in 16 Games. Off DL in 4 Months.

[AlpineSK]

June 7, 2014

Red Sox Pull Trigger on Major Deal

For the second year in a row, the Boston Red Sox felt the need to add to their pitching rotation, this time in the form of a solidified pitcher with a long term contract.

The 'Sox sent Major League starter Jorge De La Rosa, top hitting prospects Jonathan Singleton and Manuel Margot and two other minor leaguers to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Cole Hamels, reliever Charlie Furbush, and Seattle's top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker.

De La Rosa was signed to a three year contract this offseason but has struggled putting up a record of 2-4.

Jonathan Singleton has spent the year at AAA. He is hitting .254 with a .405 OBP. He has hit 8 HRs this year and knocked in 25 runs. He was acquired last year in the deal that sent Stephen Drew to Houston. Singleton will join the Mariners in Seattle for this week's series against the Texas Rangers.

From the Mariners, the Red Sox receive Hamels who is 4-5 this year with a 3.89 ERA. He won a World Series with the Phillies and is a three time All-Star. They also inherit his contract which is worth $22.5 Million guaranteed until 2018 with a team option for 2019.

Charlie Furbush will replace Joe Thatcher who is likely lost for the remainder of the 2014 season. He joins the team with a 1.73 ERA while pitching 26 innings in 17 games. Furbush is arbitration eligible this offseason.

The final piece in this deal for the Red Sox is Taijuan Walker, a necessary piece sought by Kier and the Red Sox for the team taking on all of Hamels' mammoth contract. Walker is currently the ranked as the 6th best pitching prospect in Major League Baseball. He will join the Red Sox AAA affiliate in Pawtucket where he will work with first year manager Eric Weaver and pitching coach Juan Nieves to get himself ready for what will most likely be a 2015 Major League debut.

In other news, it is rumored that the Red Sox are on the verge of signing Jon Lester to a contract extension that will likely keep him in Boston for the remainder of his career. The deal is rumored to be 7 guaranteed years at $13 Million a year, followed by two option years. There is a good chance that the deal will be signed by the end of this week.

[AlpineSK]

July 1, 2014

League Standings

AL East

Red Sox 43-35
Rays 40-37 2.5 GB
Blue Jays 38-38 4 GB
Orioles 38-39 4.5 GB
Yankees 36-42 7 GB

AL Central

Royals 46-30
Tigers 39-36 6.5 GB
Indians 38-39 8.5 GB
White Sox 32-43 13.5 GB
Twins 28-47 17.5 GB

AL West

Angels 47-30
Athletics 45-32 2 GB
Rangers 37-40 10 GB
Astros 37-41 10.5 GB
Mariners 34-43 13 GB

NL East

Braves 52-25
Marlins 40-37 12 GB
Nationals 33-43 18.5 GB
Phillies 31-45 20.5 GB
Mets 31-45 20.5 GB

NL Central

Reds 47-30
Brewers 44-33 3 GB
Pirates 39-38 8 GB
Cubs 32-43 14 GB
Cardinals 32-44 14.5 GB

NL West

Dodgers 48-28
Diamondbacks 41-37 8 GB
Padres 37-38 10.5 GB
Rockies 32-44 16 GB
Giants 31-46 17.5 GB